AN armed horde of battle-hardened warriors will be taking over Worcester.

But there is no need for concern, as they will be coming not with hostile intent but on a mission to help lift the lid on the city's rich history.

During the Living History at the Commandery event, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, February 13 and 14, more than 300 re-enactors dressed as ancient Greeks, Viking warriors, soldiers from both World Wars and more will be on hand at the Commandery, in Sidbury, with the aim of bringing history to life.

The event at the Commandery, which was used as the Royalist headquarters during the Battle of Worcester, is part of the wider Love Worcester Heritage Festival, a week of activities taking place all over the city celebrating its rich heritage.

The display at the Commandery is being organised in partnership with the Worcester Re-enactors, who will be staging period dance and military drill displays and setting up Viking, Napoleonic, WW1 and WW2 encampments, as well as recreating an early Victorian period soup kitchen.

Other attractions will include displays of military and vintage vehicles and demonstrations of Elizabethan surgical techniques.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, portfolio holder for history and heritage at Worcester City Council, said: "The Commandery is the perfect setting for 2,000 years of history to come to life.

"Living History is a key event in the city's annual calendar and we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors from further afield."

Brian Bullock, from Worcester Re-enactors, said: "We hope everyone will come along and join in. From encampments to vintage vehicles, there's something for everyone and all our re-enactors have a wealth of knowledge to share with visitors."

The event is free for Commandery cardholders or anyone who brings along evidence showing that they pay their council tax to Worcester City Council.

For more information about the event visit museumsworcestershire.org.uk.

The wider Love Worcester Heritage Festival runs from Saturday, February 13 until Sunday, February 21. For more information see visitworcestershire.org/loveworcester